Bone Spur Causes, Symptoms, and Possible Treatments

Linda Crampton is a writer and teacher with a first class honors degree in biology. She often writes about the scientific basis of disease.

A bone spur on the heel of a person suffering from plantar fasciitis | Source

What Is a Bone Spur?

A bone spur is a bony projection or outgrowth extending from the edge of a normal bone. It's also known as an osteophyte. A spur forms when a bone is injured in some way, such as by being constantly subjected to pressure, being rubbed repeatedly by another object, or being subjected to some other form of continuous or repetitive stress. The spur may be harmless and may not cause any pain. Sometimes bone spurs press on other structures, such as nerves, ligaments, tendons, and other bones, however. The pressure may cause pain, inflammation, and tissue damage.

Spurs often form at or near a joint, which is the site where one bone meets another. Some researchers believe that our bodies make bone spurs in order to increase the stability or strength of a damaged joint. Others think that the spurs are abnormal structures with no function. Bone spurs are most common on the shoulder, heel and spine, but they also occur on the hips, knees, hands, and elsewhere in the body.

A bone spur in a foot may make exercise such as hiking painful. | Source

People may never realize that they have a bone spur until it appears in an X-ray for another problem. In other cases, a spur may cause pain or numbness and may also interfere with the movement of a joint. Anyone with these symptoms should visit a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

An X-Ray of a Bone Spur in the Neck

This patient has a bone spur in the neck. If you count the projections at the back of the neck from the top, you should be able to see the spur on the front edge of vertebra number five. | Source

Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments

It's helpful to know a little about muscles, tendons, and ligaments in order to understand bone spurs. They are all fibrous structures but have different functions.

Bone Spurs in the Shoulder

The shoulder is made of three bones—the scapula (shoulder blade) at the back and the clavicle (collar bone) and humerus (upper arm bone) in the front. The rotator cuff is a structure made of muscles and tendons which covers the upper arm and attaches it to the shoulder blade. The cuff enables us to move our arm.

The rotator cuff is located under a roof-like structure called the acromion, which is an extension of the scapula. There is a narrow space between the acromion and the rotator cuff, which is called the subacromial space.

Bone spurs on the underside of the acromion may narrow the subacromial space. This can cause irritation and inflammation of the tendons in the rotator cuff, resulting in a condition called rotator cuff tendinitis or shoulder impingement. The spur may also cause a tear in the cuff. The result of all this damage is pain and difficulty in moving the arm and shoulder.

Relieving the Pain

Any unexplained pain or pain that doesn't disappear over time should be investigated by a doctor. That being said, a doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve the pain of shoulder spurs. Corticosteroid injections may also be administered to reduce inflammation and relieve the pain of an impinged shoulder.

Exercises can strengthen the muscles at the front and back of the shoulder, which may increase the volume of the subacromial space. These strength exercises must be done at the right stage of a treatment program and must be advised by a medical professional so that they don't make a shoulder problem worse. If bone spurs are inhibiting movement they may need to be removed surgically if non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful.

Bone Spur on the Heel and in the Foot

In the heel, a bone spur may be produced due to excess pressure created by a person being overweight or by excessive, high impact exercise such as running. Heel spurs often have a hook-like appearance, as shown in the picture at the start of this article and in the video above. They often cause no problems, but like any bone spur if they press on a sensitive structure they may cause pain.

When a bone spur forms on the sole of a foot, the area over the spur may thicken, forming a callus or a corn. One technique which may ease the discomfort in the foot is for the person to lose weight if he or she is overweight. Adding padding to a shoe so that the padding covers the area with the spur can also help, and so can wearing supportive footwear or shoe inserts. Other possible treatments are given below.

Plantar Fasciitis

A heel spur is sometimes associated with a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a long ligament that runs along the sole of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. If this ligament becomes inflamed and tight, it may pull on the heel and cause a bone spur to form on the bottom of the heel. The pain of plantar fasciitis generally comes from the ligament damage and not from the heel spur.

The general treatments for a painful heel spur and for plantar fasciitis are often similar. Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and foot and calf stretches may all be useful. The stretches should be prescribed or demonstrated by a doctor or other medical professional. Sometimes people with plantar fasciitis are advised to wear night splints to keep the plantar fascia stretched overnight.

A healthy backbone, or spine | Source

Bone Spurs on the Spine, Hip, and Knee

According to spine experts, many people over the age of sixty have bone spurs on their spine, or backbone. Aging increases the risk of bone spurs in general due to degenerative changes in the structures around and in joints.

Bone spurs on the spine appear as extensions on the front or side of the vertebrae and usually cause no problem. Spurs that press on a nerve can create a lot of pain, however. The pain may radiate to other areas of the body. The spur may also cause numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.

Bone spurs may occur on the hip and knee as well. Once again, they may cause no problems. Bone spurs on a hip may interfere with range of motion, however. They may also cause pain, which sometimes appears in the knees instead of the hip. A bone spur on the knee itself may cause pain when the knee is bent.

Medical tests are generally necessary in order to be certain that a bone spur is present and likely to be causing a problem. The spur is usually detected by some type of radiology (medical imaging) technique, including X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and ultrasound. These noninvasive examinations enable a doctor to see an image on the inside of the body.

Osteoarthritis

Bone spurs in the fingers may give them a knobby or bumpy appearance. The spurs are a common symptom of osteoarthritis in joints. Normally, a layer of slippery cartilage covers the ends of the bones inside a joint capsule, allowing them to slide over each other freely. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage gradually disintegrates, causing the end of one bone to rub over another during movement. Spurs are often produced at the edges of the bones as a result of this stress.

Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes sometimes appear in the fingers of a person suffering from osteoarthritis and may be associated with bone spurs. | Source

Heberden's and Bouchard's Nodes

Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes are bumps on the fingers that are associated with osteoarthritis and may also be associated with bone spurs. Heberden's nodes appear on the finger joint that is closest to the fingernail, while Bouchard's nodes are located on the middle joint of a finger. Osteophytes (bone spurs) do form in these areas, but there is a debate about whether Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes should be classified as osteophytes. Their formation and composition is still not understood completely. They may contain bone overgrowth, cartilage overgrowth, and/or gelatinous cysts.

Some Possible Treatments for Bone Spurs

Bone spurs that aren't causing any symptoms may never be discovered and may not need to be treated even if they are eventually found. There are a number of options that can help relieve the pain of spurs that are causing problems.

A doctor may prescribe conservative treatments at first. These can be very helpful and may be all that is needed to relieve pain. The treatments include the application of ice, the use of anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers, stretching and/or strengthening exercises (as advised by a medical professional), physical therapy, massage, ultrasound, and covering the area containing a spur with a cushioning pad (where applicable). Surgical techniques may be used to remove bone spurs if non-surgical methods are unsuccessful in eliminating pain and movement problems.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Questions & Answers

Questions must be on-topic, written with proper grammar usage, and understandable to a wide audience.

Question:

Can bone spurs return after they've been removed?

Answer:

It’s possible for a bone spur to come back after removal, but it’s not inevitable. The result depends on factors such as the type of spur and its location, the nature of the operation, and whether the area is subjected to continued stress after surgery.

If surgery for a bone spur is recommended, a patient should ask their doctor or surgeon about the possibility of the spur returning and about how long this process might take.

I have a couple of spurs attached to one bone in my heel on the left side. An X-ray revealed this. It is a very big knot, and it is very painful to walk. What caused this and what can be done for this?

Answer:

I'm sorry that you're in pain. To determine the cause and find a treatment, you'll need to consult a doctor so that they can give you relevant advice for your specific condition. The doctor will likely ask you questions to help him or her determine the cause of the spurs. The appearance of the spurs on the X-ray will probably help the doctor decide on a treatment.

I have heel spurs that look like rooter claws. How can I break them down?

Answer:

I sympathize with your problem, but you need to ask your doctor this question. The doctor can give you suggestions for eliminating discomfort or pain if the spurs are bothering you. The doctor can also discuss surgical treatments with you if they feel that surgery may help. They may know of other ways to deal with bone spurs or of new treatments that have been developed.

I have described some methods that are often recommended for the relief of pain from bone spurs in the article. The best step of all for you to take is to visit your doctor to get advice for your particular situation. As I say in the article, strength or stretching exercises to help bone spurs must be recommended by a doctor or another medical professional, such as a physiotherapist.

Comments

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AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

9 months agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Hi, Sandy. I'm sorry that you're in such pain. Other than the general ideas described in the article, I can't suggest anything that might help. You really need to get a doctor's advice.

Sandy Domazet

9 months ago

I have the most painful pain in my heel that I can hardly clarify. Really horrible ..MRI diagnosed bone spurs ,,and all I'm reading is like they aren't really anything,, Really ..its horrible ..??? Any help will be appreciated.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

3 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

I'm sorry that you have so many bone spurs, Elaine. Breaking the same bone three times is very unfortunate, too! Thank you for sharing your experiences. I hope things get better for you with respect to bone problems.

Elaine Calvert

3 years ago

I have bone spurs wherever I've had a broken bone (all fingers on left hand ( sister shut my hand in car door ) where I broke 2 ribs, where I broke the same bone in my foot 3 times........

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Hi, Kathi! Thank you very much for the comment. I hope that you're doing well too and that you are going to write more hubs. I love reading them and seeing your lovely photography!

Kathi

6 years agofrom Saugatuck Michigan

Hi Alicia, Super informative. I watched the video in amazement at the actual footage of real live surgery. He explained things even I could understand, lol. I hope all is well with you. It certainly sounds likeyou're doing great judging by your continued activity here at the hub! Cheers, Kathi :O)

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for the comment, Rosie writes. I hope the surgery relieves your husband's pain. A bone spur in the shoulder is very unpleasant!

Rosie writes

6 years agofrom Virginia

Great hub - very informative. My husband has a bone spur in his shoulder and is having surgery this week, so your hub instantly caught my attention.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for the comment and all the votes, Lucky Cats. I'm glad that you've found a way to avoid pain from your bone spur!

Kathy

6 years agofrom The beautiful Napa Valley, California

Hi Alicia. This helps out so much. I have one bone spur (that I am aware of) on my right tow .... no doubt from wearing shoes, for years, which looked great but were not so great for my feet. If I wear similar shoes now, the spur becomes painful but, if I'm careful w/my selection of shoes, it has no pain. your hub has helped me to understand this condition. Useful Interesting Up

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you for the comment, the vote, and the share, Peggy. I appreciate them all!

Peggy Woods

6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Very informative hub, Alicia. You always do a great job with your medical related hubs. Up votes and sharing!

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you so much for the kind comment, molometer. I appreciate your visit, the votes and the share very much!!

molometer

6 years agofrom United Kingdom

A truly fascinating hub. Great title. 'What is a bone spur'.

Well answered and executed.

I have learned so much useful information from this. Thanks for sharing.

I think hubs like this are so interesting as you have put into everyday terms some quite complex ideas.

No an easy task. Well done.

Voted up 4/5 buttons and sharing.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

I'm sorry that you have such a painful ankle, thelyricwriter. I hope it gets better very soon. Thank you so much for the comment - I appreciate it very much!

Richard Ricky Hale

6 years agofrom West Virginia

Alicia, great job on this article. Bone spurs are very painful. I have one in my ankles and I have had constant trouble. I never knew you could get them in so many places. Worries me to be honest. Awesome job on a class "A" article Alicia. Voted up, useful, and interesting.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Hi, Eddy. It's great to hear from you again! I hope your daughter's hand problem is solved - and I hope that you have a great day, too! Thanks for the comment.

Eiddwen

6 years agofrom Wales

So very useful indeed ;,my daughter has to go and see a doctor about a bone which is growing in her hand.Thank you again for sharing.

Take care and enjoy your day,

Eddy.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you, jennyjenny. I appreciate your visit and comment!

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Hi, teaches. Thanks for the comment and the vote, and thanks for describing your experience with a bone spur. I'm so lucky that I haven't experienced pain from one myself!

jennyjenny

6 years agofrom Somewhere in Michigan

Very informative! Thanks for Sharing! :)

Dianna Mendez

6 years ago

I had a good deal of pain when years ago from a bone spur. My doctor advised me to wear shoes with a slight heel to relieve the pressure and it did work. I also lost lots of weight that made most of the difference. Wearing cushioned or comfortable shoes helps lots! Great hub and voted way up.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Hi, drbj. Yes, it would be wonderful if we could order diseases to disappear and they obeyed us! Thank you for the comment.

drbj and sherry

6 years agofrom south Florida

Very interesting information about bone spurs, Alicia. Thank you. Sorry to hear that osteoarthritis runs in your family. Speak to it firmly and tell it to run somewhere else. Would that you could.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

What an unpleasant combination, Joyce! You're right, though - sometimes we have to make the best of what life gives us. Good luck for the future - I hope that you continue to find treatments that help your arthritis. Thanks for the votes.

Joyce Haragsim

6 years agofrom Southern Nevada

I have 2 tiny spurs of Ostseo arthritis on 2 fingers that sit on top of my R/A deformed first joints. Such as life gives us.

Voted up useful and interesting, Joyce.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you for sharing the hub with your friend, Tom. Bone spurs can cause horrible problems in some people! Thanks for the comment and the vote, too.

Thomas Silvia

6 years agofrom Massachusetts

Hi my friend, great hub with all great and helpful and useful information about bone spurs . I didn't know much about bone spurs but thanks to your hub you have helped me learn more about them . I have a friend who has bone spurs in the heel of one foot which is very painful, i will share your hub with him.

Vote up and more !!!

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Hi, Nettlemere. Thanks for the new comment. Yes, my sister's fingers are frequently painful, although I don't know how much is due to the arthritis and how much is due specifically to the nodes. She developed the osteoarthritis at a relatively young age, like our mother. Osteoarthritis runs in our family.

Nettlemere

6 years agofrom Burnley, Lancashire, UK

I should imagine having more than one of them would be quite a hindrance for her and uncomfortable sometimes.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for the comment and the pin, Nettlemere! I was discussing this hub with my sister shortly before I published it, and when she showed me one of her hands I saw that that she has Heberden's nodes too. She's had osteoarthritis in her fingers for a long time, but it's interesting to hear that the nodes can develop due to other causes.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Hi, GoodLady. Those heel spurs sound very unpleasant! I'm so glad that I don't have any bone spurs - or if I have, they're not bothering me! Thanks for the comment and for sharing your experience.

Nettlemere

6 years agofrom Burnley, Lancashire, UK

Really interesting - I have one of those Heberden's nodes on my finger since I trapped it in something several years ago - but I never knew what it was called until I read this. Pinned.

Penelope Hart

6 years agofrom Rome, Italy

I have heel spurs under one foot because of a knee problem on the other leg! (Due to the stress of bearing my weight). So I have a lot of pain. I have cortisone injections when I can't walk anymore and love being pain free. Nothing else works really. Ice packs are OK for a while but not walking isn't good.

Informative Hub. They are wicked painful things to have!

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for the visit and the comment, theraggededge.

Bev G

6 years agofrom Wales, UK

Very clear explanations, AliciaC.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

6 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you for the comment, unknown spy. It would be good to avoid bone spurs whenever possible!

Not Found

6 years agofrom Neverland - where children never grow up.

This si very informative. We have to take precautions so that we can avoid bone spur.

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